From late 2026, a significant change is coming to how rental properties are regulated in England. The Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database — expected to be rebranded “Register your rental property” — will require every landlord letting on an assured tenancy to register themselves and their properties on a new national system. Here’s what it means for you, and how we’ll support you through it.
What is the PRS Database?
The database forms part of the second phase of the Renters’ Rights Act’s three-phase rollout. It creates a single national register linking every rental property to its Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN), giving each home a clear digital record. The system is designed to serve three groups at once: landlords get one place to check compliance obligations, tenants can verify that a landlord and property are legitimate, and local authorities gain the intelligence they need to target enforcement at non-compliant or criminal landlords.
When is it happening?
Registration will roll out on a phased, region-by-region basis from late 2026, with the aim of covering the whole of England by 2027. In other words, it’s unlikely every landlord will be required to register on the same date — but once the database is live in your area, registration will be compulsory before you can market or let a property.
What will you need to provide?
While the final requirements are still being confirmed, the government has indicated landlords will need to submit:
– Landlord and managing agent contact details
– Property address and type
– Current tenancy details, including start date and rent
– Deposit amount and protection scheme details
– Safety compliance certificates (gas, electrical and EPC)
– Selective licensing information, where applicable
An annual registration fee will also apply, though the amount hasn’t yet been confirmed.
What happens if you don’t register?
Letting a property without registering is expected to carry a civil penalty of up to £7,000, rising to £40,000 for serious or repeat breaches, with potential criminal prosecution in the most serious cases. Just as importantly, landlords will need to be registered to rely on many of the standard grounds for possession — so an unregistered landlord may find it far harder to regain their property when they need to.
What should you do now?
There’s no need to act immediately — the database isn’t live yet, and full guidance will follow as the rollout date approaches. In the meantime, it’s worth having your paperwork in order: valid gas, electrical and EPC certificates, an up-to-date deposit protection record, and accurate tenancy details. These are exactly the areas the database will ask about, so getting them straight now will make registration far more straightforward when the time comes.
As always, we’ll keep our landlords updated as further details are confirmed, and we’ll be on hand to help with registration when it opens in our area however in the meantime if you have any questions please feel free to ask lee@purepropertylettings.co.uk
